Billy Joe McAlister, 85, of Hector, passed away Monday, Aug. 11, 2014, at his home. The son of Joseph and Lou Ella Bowden McAlister, he was born April 27, 1929, in Hector. He was a United States Army Veteran of the Korean War Era, serving with the U.S. Army of occupation in Germany. He worked for 30 years as a merchandiser for the Dr. Pepper Bottling Company in Russellville and the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Morrilton.

He was a past president of the Hector Ruritan Club and a member of Hector Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Billy enjoyed hunting, fishing, collecting coins and knives and watching sports. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Anita Hill McAlister; and brother, James McAlister.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Walnut Grove Cemetery under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service. Shane Williams will officiate. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hector Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 11353 SR 27, Hector, AR, 72843 or Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home, 2405 East Parkway, Suite 3, Russellville, AR 78202.

Online obituary and guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.